Derek Areson Haynes - Southeastern US Content Creator

Derek Areson Haynes
@TheChocolateBotanist
Durham, NC

Social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok & YouTube

USDA Growing Zone: 8

Favorite Garden Centers:

• Gunters
• Fifth Season
• Big Bloomers

Favorite Plant: Rainbow Rhythm^® 'Nosferatu' Hemerocallis hybrid

Topics:

• Outdoor Gardening
• Indoor Gardening
• Container Gardening
• Cut Flower Gardening
• Herb Gardening
• Interior/Lifestyle Plants
• Myth Buster and Unapologetic DebunkerFake Plant News

About: Following in the footsteps of iconic Black plant scientists like George Washington Carver and Percy Julian is no small feat, but Derek Haynes—known as The Chocolate Botanist—is uniquely positioned to lead the charge. Originally recognized as the Crazy Botanist, Derek rebranded to honor his chocolate complexion and celebrate his Black identity, infusing his work with a powerful narrative of cultural pride and scientific rigor. As a Black scientist and communicator, he seamlessly weaves together botany, ethnobotany, and humor, creating a relatable bridge between traditional botanical wisdom and modern science.